Landing Zones Aren’t Just For Airplanes

When an airplane comes in for a landing, there is a designated space—a runway that is clearly marked and defined. It’s literally a landing zone where the plane touches down before taking off for it’s next journey.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a similar spot for all of the things we come and go from our homes with on a daily basis? Known as ‘transition items,’ these typically include mail and other papers, keys, wallets and purses, jackets, dog leashes, and kids’ backpacks.

Unlike other belongings such as clothes or dishes that have permanent homes in a closet or cupboard, transition items are usually stored right by the entrance where they can easily clutter up a tight space. 

What’s the solution? A landing zone for personal items.  It’s a place where items in transit ‘land’ on their way elsewhere.

Let’s use the house’s main entrance as an example.  An effective landing zone might include some of the following:

·        A coatrack for coats, hats, and purses

·        Hooks for masks and keys

·        A small table with a bowl to collect wallets

·        A small box for incoming mail, along with a trash can for the junk mail

·        A bag, box, or bowl for collecting things that need to leave the house (like shopping returns)

·        A boot tray, basket, or shoe rack for corralling shoes

Being intentional about setting up a designated landing zone can have a many benefits, including:

·        Being able to find your wallet and keys right away when you need to leave

·        Triggering your memory so you remember to take things with you

·        Having a designated spot for things that frequently come and go from the home

·        The entry will look neater than if things are just dumped upon arrival

If you have the space, there are great options specifically made for the home’s entrance.

Another great option is a cube bookcase with baskets, drawers, or cabinets to hold various items.  A coatrack could be mounted on the wall above.

In designing your landing zone, consider things that are typically part of your transitions.  In my house, hooks for dog leashes are part of our landing zone.  You might need a place to hang backpacks or to put daycare items.  Spend a few days making note of items that family members are coming and going with, as well as anything that is getting dumped by the door.  Then consider what kinds of options are available to contain those items in an organized way.

 If you tackle this project, I’d love to see your outcome.  You can email photos of your landing zone to rachel@fontaineorganizing.com.  Don’t forget to take ‘before’ photos so you can truly appreciate your efforts!